FAQs about VSI Tier 1 - The three year program leading in a MA in Science Education degree
Who is eligible to attend?
All licensed teachers in grades K-8 are eligible to apply.
Who Should Apply ?
Teachers who are (a) interested in increasing their scientific content knowledge, (b) are enthusiastic about having an influence on their school's/district's science curriculum, and (c) interested in providing ongoing professional development to their peers.
Can federal money (Title IIA or Title V) be used to support participant's tuition to VSI?
Yes. Contact the person in your district who controls the consolidated Federal program grants - usually the superintendent or curriculum coordinator.
What will it cost?
Currently, the program is supported in part by funding through a VT Department of Education Math/Science Partnership grant. School districts are to provide $3,000/year to support a teacher in the VSI.
How do I apply?
Recruitment of a fourth cohort will begin in late Fall 2008 with submission of applications in January 2009. Applications will be available on this site in October 2008.
Where are the courses offered?
The courses are delivered at Castleton, Johnson, and Lyndon State Colleges.
What is the format for coursework?
The science content courses is delivered in two-week residential summer institutes with an additional week of follow-up in weekend work during the Fall semester. Content in physics and astronomy will be covered during the first summer to be followed by geology/inorganic chemistry and organic chemistry/biology in the subsequent two summers respectively. During the intervening academic years, the VSI teacher will enroll in one 3 credit course each semester that will continue his/her preparation for a leadership role in science education. The course meets once a month for an all day Friday/Saturday class session. Overnight accommodations and meals are provided for the teacher.
FAQs about VSI Tier 2 - The one year, non-degree professional development VSI program
Who is eligible to attend?
All licensed teachers in grades K-8 are eligible to apply.
Who Should Apply?
The program is designed for teachers who are interested in increasing their scientific content knowledge, their specialized content knowledge associated with the teaching of science and their general teaching practice. Teachers who want to work with colleagues in their schools to develop a "school-wide culture of doing high quality science."
Can federal money (Title IIA or Title V) be used to support participant's tuition to VSI?
Yes. Contact the person in your district who controls the consolidated Federal program grants - usually the superintendent or curriculum coordinator.
What will it cost?
The cost of the VSI Tier 2 program is $1200. Teachers will receive four graduate credits and a stipend upon completion of the program.
How do I apply?
VSI staff work with science curriculum specialists at the district/regional level in offering the Tier 2 program. Interested teachers should contact their curriculum coordinators or the VSI staff.
Where are the courses offered?
The summer courses are offered at an institution of higher education in Vermont. These courses are five day residential courses offered at the instructor's home institution. Academic year coursework is offered regionally.
What is the format for coursework?
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